I have a 97 jeep grand cherokee that I accidently bent the tie rod out a bit. I now have a lot of play in my steering. Is it ok to just swap the bar out with another from a used 97 grand cherokee wagoneer or do i have to buy a new?

 

You can use a used tie rod, but it may be worn out. I suggest getting a new replacement. I'm assuming you have an I6 motor in yours, which means your tie rod is the same as the one used in XJ Cherokees. If this is the case, you can use a V8 tie rod from the same year to provide a stronger alternative.

It's a direct swap, and the V8 tie rod is solid instead of being a hollow tube.

 

It has the 5.2 v8 and the wagoneer is the exact same so it ought to work

 

I'd give it a shot. Worst case is that the replacement tie rod could be worn out, and then you would still need to buy a new one if that turns out to be the situation.